Bad Girl

Bad Girl

Year: 1931

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: English

Director: Frank Borzage

DramaRomanceMoving relationship storiesEnduring stories of family and marital dramaTouching and sentimental family stories

Set against the bustling backdrop of 1930s New York, the story follows a man and a woman who, despite their cynicism toward romance, unexpectedly fall in love and marry. Their mutual distrust of the opposite sex soon casts a shadow over their union, testing the strength of their affection.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Bad Girl (1931)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Bad Girl (1931). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1930s

Set in the early 1930s, the film mirrors urban America during the Great Depression: hard economic realities, sudden changes in status, and pressure to secure a family future. The era’s social norms frame Dorothy and Eddie’s romance, marriage, and plans for a home and a baby. It uses contemporary urban life, fashion, and work settings to ground the story in its period.

Location

New York City, Coney Island

The story unfolds across New York City, beginning in a busy garment district where Dorothy and Edna model bridal wear, and venturing to the lively seaside of Coney Island. The city’s tenement and boarding-house life provide a backdrop for romance, money worries, and family strain. Boardwalk rides, steamboat trips, and the pressure of making a home tie the couple to both urban energy and intimate spaces.

🏙️ Urban setting 🎡 Amusement district 👗 Fashion & work

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:33

Main Characters – Bad Girl (1931)

Meet the key characters of Bad Girl (1931), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dorothy Haley (Sally Eilers)

A stylish store model who pursues security through marriage and family. She is quick-witted, resilient, and willing to bend social rules to protect herself after her guardian brother’s oppression. Her pregnancy becomes the emotional fulcrum of the story, testing trust and commitment with Eddie.

💖 Romantic 🧭 Pragmatic 🧷 Determined

Edna Driggs (Minna Gombell)

Dorothy’s friend and fellow model who anchors the duo’s optimism. She serves as a sounding board and ally as Dorothy navigates love, work, and the social pressures of marriage. Her presence highlights female solidarity in a male-dominated era.

👭 Friend 🧩 Supportive 🗣️ Loyal

Eddie Collins (James Dunn)

A radio shop worker with big dreams of owning his own business. He is loving and hopeful, but often hides his worries about money and the future behind stubborn pride. He tries to provide for Dorothy by boxing at night, which strains their relationship and creates a miscommunication about their happiness.

❤️ Hopeful 🏃‍♂️ Driven ⚖️ Protective

Jim Haley (William Pawley)

Dorothy’s abusive elder brother and guardian, whose discipline pushes her toward independence. His harsh judgments and eviction threaten the couple’s early happiness, underscoring the harsh social control exerted on women at the time.

💢 Controlling 🛑 Oppressive 🏚️ Protective

Dr. Burgess (Claude King)

The city’s leading obstetrician whose expensive services become a focal point of the couple’s financial and emotional strain. His presence represents modern medicine’s prominence in family life for the era.

🩺 Professional 🧭 Impartial 💉 Clinical

Mike the Prizefighter (Charles Sullivan)

A local prizefighter whose world of grit and money intersects with the couple’s life, reflecting how sport and entertainment can intersect with everyday struggles. His presence frames the tension between spectacle and responsibility.

🥊 Sport 🧭 Ambition 💥 Flashy

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:33

Major Themes – Bad Girl (1931)

Explore the central themes of Bad Girl (1931), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💞 Marriage & Misunderstanding

Love tests a new marriage when pregnancy and financial worries collide. Dorothy and Eddie misinterpret each other’s desires, leading to tense distance despite deep affection. The plot pivots on communication, forgiveness, and a shared commitment to family.

💰 Economic Pressure

Eddie’s dream of a personal shop clashes with the need to fund medical care and a new home. The expensive obstetrician and nightly boxing work highlight how money constrains happiness. Financial strain becomes a catalyst for both unity and friction.

🏠 Domestic Life & Guardianship

Dorothy’s guardian brother embodies a harsh social reality that pushes her toward independence. The couple’s efforts to secure a home and stable life reveal the balancing act between romance, responsibility, and personal dignity. The hospital visit and birth crystallize their shared future.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:33

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Bad Girl Summary

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Bad Girl Summary

Bad Girl Timeline

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Bad Girl Timeline

More About Bad Girl

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